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The Maya Hinterland

The Maya HinterlandThe Maya HinterlandThe Maya Hinterland
  • Home
  • The Maya Bees
  • The Excursion
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Prints
  • Get Involved
  • Contact Us

MELIPONA BEES - XUNÁN KAB

Join us on a mesmerizing journey into the hive of the stingless Melipona bees as we witness the incredible dedication of a Melipona guard bee. 🌸 Did you know these stingless Maya bees, responsible for producing the prized Maya honey, rely solely on their mandibles and pheromones for protection? It's a fascinating dance of nature!

Discover The sacred Maya bees

A stingless Melipona guard bee peeking out from the hive showcasing its natural environment.

XUNÁN KAB

ANCIENT TRADITION

ANCIENT TRADITION

Xunán Kab, when translated from Maya, unfolds into "The Royal Lady Bee." This linguistic nuance carries profound cultural and spiritual implications, reflecting the high esteem in which Melipona bees are held within the ancient Mayan tradition.

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A detailed ceramic sculpture representing Ah-Muzen-Kab, Maya God of Melipona bees and honey.

ANCIENT TRADITION

ANCIENT TRADITION

ANCIENT TRADITION

Beekeeping in the Maya tradition goes beyond a mere agricultural practice – it is a sacred duty. Rituals and ceremonies centered around Melipona bees are conducted to seek the favor of Ah-Muzen-Cab, ensuring the prosperity of crops, the fertility of the land, and the well-being of the community.


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A jar of Maya Melipona honey with a honey dipper dripping honey into it

MEDICINAL USE

ANCIENT TRADITION

MEDICINAL USE

Melipona honey is prized for its potential medicinal benefits, believed to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional medicine enthusiasts value it for its unique composition, suggesting it may contribute to overall health and well-being.

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worth saving

Melipona bees, also known as Maya bees, face various predators in their natural environments.

The specific threats can vary depending on the region and habitat. Protecting these vital pollinators, essential for producing the cherished Maya honey, is crucial to maintaining the ecological balance in their ecosystems.

  1. Ants: Certain ant species may raid Melipona bee colonies, feeding on their brood and honey stores.
  2. Spiders: Some spider species are known to capture and consume individual Melipona bees.
  3. Birds: Certain bird species, such as flycatchers, may feed on adult Melipona bees.
  4. Mammals: Some small mammals, including rodents, may target Melipona bee colonies, particularly to consume their honey and brood.
  5. Other Insects: Insects like wasps and hornets may pose a threat to Melipona colonies, attacking them for their honey and other resources.
  6. Bee-Eating Insects: Certain insects, such as robber flies and bee-eating beetles, may also prey on Melipona bees.
  7. Humans: While not natural predators in the same sense as other animals, humans can impact Melipona bee colonies through habitat destruction, pesticide use, and other environmental pressures.

See for yourself

A group of people sampling Melipona honey with the Maya beekeeper in the bee hut.

COME VISIT US IN THE MAYA HINTERLAND

Together, we can create a future where both humans and these amazing bees coexist harmoniously! 🤝🐝✨ 


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